Monday, November 20, 2017

FEU forces Final Four sudden-death

Far Eastern University did not want to end their season just yet, as they effectively executed their game plan against top seeds Ateneo de Manila with an 80-67 victory this past Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws rode on a strong third quarter against the Blue Eagles, outscoring them 21-13 in the period with Ron Dennison scoring eight of his team-high seventeen points in the period. They would follow that up with a solid fourth quarter, ensuring enough separation against Ateneo to preserve the victory. Hubert Cani would deliver the dagger 30-foot three-pointer with under three minutes remaining to give the fourth seeds a 75-58 lead, the biggest lead of the game.

Addressing the media after the game, head coach Olsen Racela says, "Will go through video and take a look kung saan pa kami pwede mag-improve, but right now, we haven't done anything yet. Ang nakuha lang namin was to take away that twice-to-beat advantage ng Ateneo. The former Ateneo standout also adds that the team is "looking forward to Wednesday's game and see where what we can do to really try to stop a very strong team like Ateneo."

Last season's losing finalists struggled with their shooting, making just 36 percent of their attempts as a result of attempting 57 jumpers. Thirdy Ravena led the team with seventeen points and six rebounds, while Matt Nieto chipped in with thirteen points from three triples.

Meanwhile, former Ateneans Arvin Tolentino and Cani combined for 24 points.

The sudden death matchup between Ateneo and FEU will take place on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena at 4pm. The winner goes on to the finals to face La Salle this coming Saturday at the same venue. (c/o Kim Karlo Castro)

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